Strict Reserves

Natural and Cultural Strict Reserves of Lithuania

2009-11-19

Strict reserves are the most strictly controlled protected areas that are established to facilitate the protection and research of Lithuania‘s landscapes that are of scientific environmental or cultural value. All economic activity in strict reserves is forbidden. Within Lithuania, there are three state strict nature reserves (Čepkeliai, Kamanos and Viešvilė) and two state strict cultural reserves (Kernavė and Vilnius Castles), 36 nature and three cultural strict reserves within complex protected areas and one small strict reserve (Dubrava).

The Čepkeliai State Strict Reserve was established in order to protect the Čepkeliai mire – the country‘s largest raised bog formed in the watershed of the Katra, Ūla and Grūda Rivers with relict eutrophic lakes and islands, remains of continental dunes and forests surrounding the mire at the edge of a sandy plain (Dainava), as well as the rare flora and fauna.

The Čepkeliai mire has been included in the list of sites protected under the Ramsar Convention. It also has Natura 2000 territory status as a site important for bird protection.

The purpose behind establishing the Kamanos Strict Reserve was to preserve the Kamamos wetland – the largest wetland complex in northern Lithuania with interior areas of dry land (islands and peninsulas), bog pools encircled by sloughs, as well as the nearby Didmiškis forest with its typical and rare plant and animal species. The Kamanos mire has formed in the watershed of the Venta River midsection and the Dabikinė and Vadakstis, the river‘s right tributaries, an area of low inclination.

Sphagno tenelli-Rhynchosporetum albae where the dominant herbs are Rhynchospora alba and Drosera anglina. The rare Spoonleaf Sundew (Drosera intermedia) is found in the raised bog, the rapidly disappearing Bog Orchid (Hammarbya paludosa) can still be found in transition mires, while the small wet meadows contain Military Orchid (Orchis militaris) and other species

The Kernavė Cultural Reserve was established to protect Kernavė, Lithuania‘s former capital, ie. its territorial complex of cultural heritage objects (values), the values themselves, and to organise on-going scientific research, as well as ensure their proper management, exposition and propogation.

The Vilnius Castles State Cultural Reserve has been established to protect Lithuania‘s historical state and spiritual cultural centre – the castles of Vilnius, the castle territories and the cultural and natural values contained within, as well as organise on-going academic research at these sites, while ensuring their proper management and use. The Vilnius Castles State Cultural Reserve is the heart of the Vilnius Old Town, and the smallest state strict reserve in Lithuania.